New rules at pedestrian crossovers and school crossings in Ontario

A new law in Ontario which came into effect Jan. 1, 2016 indicates drivers must remain stopped at a pedestrian crossovers or school crossings until the person crossing the street and the school crossing guard are off the roadway.

A crosswalk is usually found at intersections with traffic signals, pedestrian signals or stop signs.

A crossover is displayed on the left and a crosswalk is displayed on the right.

Ministry of Transportation

Under the new law, drivers and cyclists can be fined $150 to $500 and 3 demerit points for offences at pedestrian crossings and school crossings.

The rule changes were made in response to recommendations related to pedestrian safety in the Chief Coroner’s Report on Pedestrian Deaths released in 2012 and to numerous requests from municipalities and safety organizations.